HIV/AIDS

Meaning of HIV/AIDS

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus while AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. HIV is a virus that causes AIDS. It is one of the group of virus known as retroviruses. AIDS was first reported in June 5^th, 1981 at the United States Centre for disease Control and prevention. HIV is a virus that destroys the immune system of the body and makes it unable to resist infections. This develops to the condition called AIDS. HIV/AIDS has no cure but can be prevented. Though scientists are working hard to produce a cure or vaccine for the disease. HIV/AIDS is not a hereditary disease, it is contacted from anyone carrying the HIV virus.

Causes of HIV/AIDS

HIV is found in blood, semen, viginal and cervical secretions and breast milk. Therefore, it can be transmitted through the following ways:

1) Unprotected Sex: By having unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person, the virus can enter through the lining of the vigina, penis or mouth to mouth kiss.

2) An infected mother can transmit the virus to her child during pregnancy, during birth and while breastfeeding.

3) Through blood transfusion, injection and skin cutting/piercing instrument like used razor blades or needles, most people get infected with HIV/AIDS.

Symptoms of HIV/AIDS

There are many signs which shows that a person may have AIDS. These include:

1) Severe fever lasting for more than one month. When someone is having constant fever for a long period of time, it could be that the person is infected.

2) Weight lost and or loss of appetite for a long period of time. This loss of weight can amount to up to 20%

3) Constant night sweats.

4) Appearance of rashes all over the body, especially small reddish rashes.

5) Constant diarrhoea is also another symptom of HIV/AIDS. This normally exceed one month.

6) Swelling around the neck, armpit and private part is also a sign that one is carrying the virus.

Prevention of HIV Transmission

Although, HIV/AIDS has no cure, it can be prevented. The following measures can be taken to prevent the spread of the virus

1) Abstinence: This means that one should not engage in sexual activities until one is married. And even after marriage, one should be faithful to one’s partner or partners as the case may be.

2) Avoid sharing Body piercing/cutting Objects: HIV/AIDS can be reduced/prevented if people avoid sharing body piercing/cutting objects, and blood are screened before transfusion.

3) HIV/AIDS Education/Awareness: Effort should be made by government and non-governmental organizations to educate people about HIV/AIDS through various media, e.g. newspaper, radio and television, informing them on the risk involved in premarital sex and keeping many sex partners.

4) Blood transfusion can only be administered when such blood has been tested, screened and declared safe from HIV

5) Confidential Counselling and Test: Constant periodic test by individual married partners is a sure way of avoiding spread of AIDS.

6) HIV prevention information activities aimed at promoting healthy or good sexual behaviours should be carried out in schools and colleges and at work places.

Stigmatization of People Living with AIDS (PLWA)

HIV/AIDS related stigma or discrimination refers to negative attitude, abuse and maltreatment directed at people living with HIV/AIDS. This stigma and discrimination exist everywhere, though they manifest themselves differently across countries, communities, religious groups and individuals. Stigma makes it difficult for people to come to term with HIV and manage their illness on personal level. It interferes with the attempt to fight the AIDS epidemic.

Some of the consequence of HIV/AIDS stigma are:

a) Loss of income and livelihood,

b) Loss of marriage and child bearing option,

c) Poor care with the health sector,

d) Withdrawal of care giving in the home,

e) Loss of hope and feeling of worthlessness,

f) Loss of reputation etc.

People living with HIV/AIDS should be support, loved and treated with respect. Family members should be there to take care of them and make their lives comfortable instead of treating them badly. Colleagues and employers at places of work should not deny these people their right to earn a living. The government and health care practitioners should also make sure that these victims get the necessary health care and support needed.